A rising star for the Texas Rangers, Wyatt Langford, could potentially become a contender for the American League Most Valuable Player Award, according to a prominent Major League Baseball insider. The Rangers are hoping the young left fielder takes a significant leap forward this season and at least one national writer believes that breakthrough is coming.
Langford is entering his third year with Texas at a stage in his career when both his performance and reputation in the league could rise dramatically. Drafted by the Rangers in the first round in 2023, he quickly moved through the minor leagues. His rapid development even sparked speculation that he might be called up during the World Series that year due to injuries in the outfield.
He eventually made his MLB debut in 2024 and has already achieved notable accomplishments in a short time. In just two seasons, Langford has become an American League Gold Glove Award finalist in left field while also establishing himself as one of Texas’ most powerful hitters. Looking ahead to 2026, his impact could grow even further.
In a recent season preview, Jeff Passan of ESPN suggested Langford could finish among the top five players in AL MVP voting, despite never having been selected as an MLB All-Star Game participant. Passan pointed to Langford’s strong spring training performance and overall skill set as reasons for optimism, noting that his rise as a star is supported by more than just early-season statistics.
During 10 spring training games, Langford has posted an impressive .417/.481/.875 slash line, along with three home runs and 10 RBIs. If those numbers continue, it would mark his second spring training with a batting average above .400. Back in 2024 spring training, he also showed impressive power by hitting 10 home runs.
The Rangers have high expectations for Langford as well. Team president of baseball operations Chris Young has openly expressed interest in signing him to a long-term contract extension as he approaches his final pre-arbitration season. Although negotiations have not progressed much yet, a strong 2026 season would strengthen Langford’s case for a long-term deal.
Langford himself believes he can improve. Over his first two seasons with Texas, he has posted a .247/.335/.423 slash line with 38 home runs and 136 RBIs. Despite being named the Rangers’ team MVP in 2025 after hitting .241 with 22 home runs and 62 RBIs, he admitted during spring training that he expects more from himself.
Some analysts believe Langford has the ability to become a 30–30 player, combining at least 30 home runs with 30 stolen bases in a season. He already reached the 20–20 mark last year, but he knows reducing strikeouts will be key to his development. Last season he struck out 151 times, an increase from 115 during his rookie campaign.
The Rangers will begin the regular season on March 26 in Philadelphia, with Langford projected to start in left field on Opening Day.
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